Report: Heat will sign Erick Dampier

The Miami Heat have been hit with a few key injuries, losing Mike Miller before things even got started, and a few days ago losing Udonis Haslem for what coudl be months.

Haslem, a power forward, provides rebounding, defense and toughness that few players on the current roster are able to replace.

Also, center Joel Anthony, who had been starting, hasn’t lived up to the Heat’s high hopes and now spends plenty of time on the bench.

Enter free agent center Erick Dampier.

Ken Berger of CBS Sports reports:

Erick Dampier has a one-year offer from the Miami Heat and is expected to sign it Tuesday, CBSSports.com has learned.

The 35-year-old center arrived in Miami Monday night and, pending his passing of a medical exam, will join the team to replace Udonis Haslem, who is out until at least February with a torn ligament in his foot. The deal is for one year at the prorated veteran’s minimum, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

The Heat will have to release a player to create a roster spot for Dampier, likely Dexter Pittman or Jamaal Magloire.

It’s a good move for the Heat, and not particularly shocking. The team has reportedly been considering adding Dampier for a long time now, long before Haslem’s injury.